Sizemore, who is hitting .338/.373/.465 in 19 games as a Phillie is not in the lineup for the first of a three-game series against the Houston Astros. The Astros are starting impressive lefty Dallas Keuchel (for more on him, see Corey Seidman's game notes). However, the struggling Howard is starting and hitting fourth.

Brown, who has an infection in his tonsils, is out again. He hasn't played since July 31 at Washington, when he pinch-hit. Darin Ruf starts in left.